Ionic liquids as fire properties modifiers of polymers – a review

Recently, ionic liquids have been studied intensively as potential flame retardants for polymers. Ionic liquids (ILs) are compounds completely composed of ions with melting point below 100°C. Given the set of tuneable properties, ILs are used in a wide range of applications, including organic synthesis, analysis, extraction and separation processes, high-temperature lubricants, heat-transfer fluids, and thermal energy storage. ILs have emerged as a new option for fire safety applications. The review presents recent developments in the use of ionic liquids (ILs) for designing polymer materials endowed with enhanced flame retardancy. The fire properties of polymers being reviewed are reactions to small flames (limiting oxygen index, vertical burning test) and cone calorimetry. The fire properties measured in the cone calorimeter are discussed, including heat release rate and smoke production. The possible flame retardance mechanisms of ionic liquids are discussed.

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Opracowanie rekordu ze środków MNiSW, umowa nr POPUL/SP/0154/2024/02 w ramach programu "Społeczna odpowiedzialność nauki II" - moduł: Popularyzacja nauki (2025).